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De Vrij returns for Netherlands qualifiers

Stefan de Vrij has been named in Netherlands' squad for their World Cup qualifiers with Belarus and France after a year out through injury.

Published

30 September 2016

Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij has been included in a 23-man Netherlands squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Belarus and France.

The 24-year-old, who has 30 international caps, could make his first appearance for his country since a 3-0 defeat to Turkey in September 2015 following a lengthy spell out with a knee injury.

Uncapped Rick Karsdorp of Feyenoord has also been retained from a 30-man provisional squad named by coach Danny Blind last week.

AZ's Ron Vlaar and Jorrit Hendrix of PSV both miss out through injury. Tottenham keeper Michel Vorm, Kenny Tete, Vurnon Anita and Bart Ramselaar are the other players to be cut from the provisional party.

Netherlands are joint second in Group A following a 1-1 draw away to Sweden. They face Belarus and France on October 7 and 10 respectively.